Temple: The Nerd of Bars

If bars were people, Temple would be a total nerd. With the simplest wood fittings, it doesn’t even try to look stylish.

Beyond the horn-rimmed spectacles, however, is a witty personality that breaks through as you join the crowd for some live music. Opened by three music lovers, this place breathes melodies and beats. In addition to an enjoyable playlist of bar songs, the owners’ connections guarantee decent (and free) acts on weekends: rock, folk, jazz, electronic, everything.

And despite the fact that the Gulou crowd mostly survives on staple drinks, Temple makes a valiant stab at variety, with over 15 types of beer (RMB 20-60) and some wild cocktails (RMB 40-50) and shooters (RMB 25). I was very satisfied with my “Dark Vador,” even if the sweet mix was more like Anakin Skywalker pre-dark side.

Good for: Underground musicians, indie kids
Also try: Salud (Nanluogu Xiang), Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar

Temple
Daily 7pm-late. B202, 206 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (131 6107 0713)
东城区鼓楼东大街206号B202